Backpacking Meal Recipes – Simple, Portable “Just Add Water” Dried Meal Mixes
Make and store these recipes ahead of time so you’ll have a quick, portable meal ready when you want to hit the trail. Many of these ideas are also great for storing in a Mason Jar when you need a quick and easy meal at home. All the recipes featured here use dried ingredients that require only a pot of hot water to cook (reconstitute), and are ready to eat in 10 minutes. These meal mixes also serve as lovely gifts for seniors and those in need. For storing your dried meals, see our heat-safe rehydration food pouches for backpacking.
Mujadara Meal Mix
1
servings10
minutes10
minutes480
kcalMujadara is a filling and flavorful Middle Eastern dish layered with brown rice, lentils, and onions seasoned with cumin and cinnamon. This meal is quick to make, containing a few simple ingredients. Traditionally, this meal uses caramelized onions, although fried crispy onions taste great and work better for storing and rehydrating on the trail! Vegan and Gluten Free.
More calories? This dish pairs well with a side of classic hummus.
Lentils – instant brown or green lentils work best for texture and flavor.
Rice – instant brown basmati or long-grain brown rice are recommended.
Vegetable Bouillon – watch the sodium content. If not using the bouillon, add salt and pepper to taste.
Ingredients – Serves 1 (Makes 1.5 cups)
1/2 cup (62g) Instant Brown Rice
1/4 cup (25g) Instant Lentils
2 TB (9g) Crispy Onions
1/4 to 1/2 cube (3g) of Vegetable Bouillon
1/2 tsp Ground Cumin
1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
11 ml Olive Oil Packet
Directions
- At Home:
Combine all ingredients and place in a barrier proof storage bag. Seal shut. Label the meal and rehydration instructions on the storage bag. - At Camp:
Bring 1 cup (235 ml) of water to a boil. Add water and olive oil to the Mujadara mix. Stir well and reconstitute for 10 minutes in a sealed container. Stir again and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Facts
1 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories480
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g 28%
- Saturated Fat 4g 20%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 0mg 0%
- Sodium 480mg 20%
- Potassium 66mg 2%
- Total Carbohydrate 72g 24%
- Dietary Fiber 7g 29%
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 12g 24%
- Calcium 25%
- Iron 4%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.